Meeting EU Drinking Water Standards: The Critical Role of Sample Prep in Trace Contaminant Analysis

<p><strong>Although modern agriculture needs to be based on accurate real-time data on soil, plant, and environmental conditions, affordable, sufficiently sensitive, and robust monitoring devices for this purpose are currently missing. According to scientists, low-cost sensors based on new smart materials and printing technologies offer a suitable solution. The results of multidisciplinary research thus far and proposals for the development of these devices have been presented by researchers from Czechia, Great Britain, Spain, and the USA in a review article in the prestigious journal </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-68778-6#Abs1"><i><strong>Nature Communications</strong></i></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>“<i>Sensor technologies for monitoring plant health are still in their infancy. Only simple sensors capable of monitoring basic parameters such as pH, soil moisture, or temperature are commonly available on the market. However, if farmers are to face current challenges, including climate change, and ensure sufficient food for humanity, they need much more effective tools that will enable them to monitor, for example, various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. In our opinion, a suitable solution is a combination of new smart materials and printing for the production of inexpensive, durable, and scalable materials</i>,” said the article’s first author, <strong>David Panáček</strong> from CATRIN, who worked on the study during his internship at Imperial College London.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Soucasne_senzory_nestaci_Vedci_navrhuji_novou_cestu_ke_sledovani_zdravi_rostlin_b4014952a3.jpg" alt="CATRIN: David Panáček" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Soucasne_senzory_nestaci_Vedci_navrhuji_novou_cestu_ke_sledovani_zdravi_rostlin_b4014952a3.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="1152"></p><p>Sensors for monitoring plant health, for example, lag behind similar devices used in human medicine. According to the authors, advances in materials science, which will enable the development of scalable sensor technologies, play a key role in this potential shift. “<i>Printing techniques, including inkjet printing, screen printing, aerosol printing, 3D printing, and direct laser writing, offer flexible ways to produce flexible sensors, large-area sensors, and sensors integrated directly into plants. The review article summarizes recent advances in printable low-dimensional materials for agricultural sensors, analyzes their physico-chemical properties in relation to sensor performance, and discusses key challenges and future opportunities requiring interdisciplinary integration</i>,” said one of the corresponding authors, <strong>Michal Otyepka</strong>.</p><p>The research brought together materials scientists, chemists, biologists, sensing experts, and printing technology specialists. Materials research and the use of graphene-based smart materials were led by scientists from CATRIN at Palacký University and VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava. Plant biologists from CATRIN contributed their knowledge of plant development, their responses to stress conditions, and the monitoring of their properties. Researchers from Imperial College London took care of the electronics, while representatives from<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/36"><strong> CEITEC – VUT</strong></a> focused on printing technologies. The team also included leading experts in sensing from the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Barcelona, and Joseph Wang of the University of California San Diego, the “father of sensing and electrochemistry,” also contributed his extensive knowledge.</p><p>“<i>This is a groundbreaking study on this topic, which has managed to attract some truly big names in their respective fields. Last but not least, the study demonstrates that interdisciplinarity at CATRIN gives rise to completely new and promising research topics, such as plant sensing and its use for studying plant-environment interactions and smart agriculture,</i>” added another corresponding author, <strong>Nuria De Diego</strong>.</p>

Current sensors are not good enough. Scientists propose a new way to monitor plant health

<p><strong>In this episode of the Concentrating on Chromatography podcast, host David Oliva interviews Ainslie Chen about her cutting-edge research on hemoglobin variant testing using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS). Ainslie discusses her novel method for separating and identifying hemoglobin subunits with mass shifts less than 1 Da, overcoming critical limitations in conventional clinical assays.</strong></p><p>Hear firsthand how her team developed an LC-HR-MS workflow using a C4 reversed-phase column, tackled technical challenges (including why C18 columns fell short), and achieved unprecedented sensitivity for variant detection in both adult and neonatal samples. The conversation touches on the potential of mass spectrometry to revolutionize clinical diagnostics, the importance of reproducibility, barriers to adoption in routine labs, and how teamwork drives scientific innovation.</p><p>Perfect for analytical chemists, clinical laboratorians, and anyone interested in the future of protein variant analysis, this episode also features Ainslie’s advice for early-career scientists and insights from her first ACS poster presentation.</p><h4><strong>Key Highlights:</strong></h4><ul><li>Motivation behind improving hemoglobinopathy testing &nbsp;</li><li>Technical advantages of LC-HR-MS over gene sequencing and CE &nbsp;</li><li>The crucial role of the C4 column in resolving challenging samples &nbsp;</li><li>Critical parameters for reproducible LC-HR-MS workflows &nbsp;</li><li>Barriers and outlook for clinical adoption of advanced mass spectrometry &nbsp;</li><li>The value of teamwork and mentorship in scientific research &nbsp;</li><li>Direct insights from recent ACS conference experiences</li></ul><h3><strong>Video transcription</strong></h3><p>In this interview, <strong>Ainslie Chen</strong> discusses her research on improving the detection and identification of hemoglobin variants using <strong>liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS)</strong>. The work addresses limitations of conventional hemoglobinopathy testing, which often struggles to resolve very small mass differences between closely related hemoglobin subunits. Because even a single amino-acid substitution can significantly alter hemoglobin structure and function, high analytical resolution is essential for accurate diagnosis of conditions such as anemia and sickle cell disease.</p><p>Chen explains why her team selected LC-HRMS over established clinical techniques like <strong>capillary electrophoresis</strong> and <strong>gene sequencing</strong>. While sequencing offers excellent accuracy, it is time-consuming, costly, and requires extensive sample preparation, making it impractical for routine clinical workflows. Capillary electrophoresis enables subunit separation but lacks the resolving power needed to distinguish variants differing by less than one Dalton. In contrast, high-resolution mass spectrometry provides both structural specificity and sensitivity, enabling confident identification of subtle hemoglobin variants with minimal sample preparation.</p><p>A key methodological insight from the project was the use of a <strong>C4 reversed-phase LC column</strong> instead of the more common C18 column. Chen describes how the shorter carbon chain and larger pore size of C4 columns improved protein elution and reduced denaturation, leading to more reproducible separations. Critical parameters for reproducibility included consistent mobile-phase composition (0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile), controlled temperature (60 °C for LC, ~320 °C capillary temperature), and stable chromatographic conditions.</p><p>Beyond hemoglobin analysis, Chen highlights the broader potential of high-resolution mass spectrometry in <strong>proteoform analysis</strong> and clinical diagnostics, including emerging applications in cancer detection. She acknowledges current barriers to clinical adoption—such as energy demands and instrument infrastructure—but points to advances like <strong>miniaturized mass spectrometers</strong> as promising steps toward wider use. The interview concludes with advice for young scientists: don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, embrace collaboration, and view analytical chemistry as a versatile tool that bridges medicine, biology, environmental science, and beyond.</p><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Unlocking Hemoglobin Variant Detection: LC-HR-MS Breakthrough with Ainslie Chen

Article

Video

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Scientific article

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Science and research

The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

CATRIN

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ Easion™ Ion Chromatography System

Compact IC system with built-in suppressor, heated conductivity detection, and automated sample handling—ideal for routine anion and cation analysis in water and environmental labs.

<h4><strong>Compact, intuitive IC system for routine anion and cation analysis</strong></h4><p><strong>The Dionex Easion IC system is a small yet powerful ion chromatography solution designed for routine water and environmental analysis. With its compact footprint, easy setup, and intuitive Chromeleon™ CDS control, the system enables fast, reliable quantification of both anions and cations—even for inexperienced users. Built-in chemical suppression, minimal maintenance, and preconfigured analysis kits make it ideal for any lab performing standard IC workflows.</strong></p><h3><strong>Key Features and Benefits</strong></h3><h4>🧪 <strong>Simple, Complete System</strong></h4><ul><li>Fully integrated setup includes suppressor, columns, eluent and regenerant concentrates</li><li>Ready to operate in under <strong>90 minutes</strong>—no extra pumps or accessories needed</li><li>Compatible with 2, 3, and 4 mm anion and cation columns</li></ul><h4>📏 <strong>Reliable, Reproducible Performance</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Heated bipolar conductivity cell</strong> ensures signal stability and low noise</li><li>Chemical suppression with <strong>Dionex CRS 500</strong> suppressor—no regeneration steps needed</li><li>Fixed-loop valve for <strong>manual or automated injections</strong></li><li>Flow range: 0.01–5.00 mL/min; pressure up to 5000 psi</li></ul><h4>💡 <strong>Smart and Compact Design</strong></h4><ul><li>All-PEEK flow path—metal-free and chemically inert</li><li>Simple eluent preparation with concentrates and high-purity water</li><li>Bench-friendly size (33 × 24 × 40 cm, 10 kg) with minimal maintenance</li></ul><h4>🔁 <strong>Automation Ready</strong></h4><ul><li>Supports <strong>Dionex AS-DV, AS-AP, and AS-HV autosamplers</strong></li><li>Built-in sample filtration (with AS-DV) and dilution workflows</li><li>Autosampler-based inline filtration and degassing options available</li></ul><h4>🧠 <strong>Controlled by</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/76"><strong> Chromeleon™ CDS</strong></a></h4><ul><li>Intuitive system setup with ProcedureWizards™ and application templates</li><li>Built-in calibration memory and audit trail</li><li>Virtual column simulator and multi-vendor instrument integration</li></ul><h3><strong>Applications</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Drinking water</strong> and <strong>wastewater</strong> monitoring</li><li><strong>Inorganic ion analysis</strong> (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, etc.)</li><li><strong>Routine ammonium and cation detection</strong> (Li⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Ca²⁺...)</li><li><strong>Educational and QA/QC laboratories</strong></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Dionex_Easion_System_news_1f1d3e6c64/Thermo-Dionex-Easion-System-news.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ Easion™ Ion Chromatography System" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Dionex_Easion_System_news_1f1d3e6c64/thumbnail_Thermo-Dionex-Easion-System-news.jpg 215w," sizes="100vw" width="1103" height="800"></p>

Waters Xevo G2-XS QTof Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

The Xevo® G2-XS QTof combines StepWaveTM ion optics with the XS Collision Cell, providing a significant increase in sensitivity with no reduction in selectivity.

<h4><strong>eXtreme Sensitivity, eXtraordinary Selectivity, eXceptional Solutions</strong></h4><div><p><strong>For the scientist who needs to identify, quantify and confirm the broadest range of compounds in the most complex and challenging samples.</strong></p><ul><li>Maximum robustness with no compromise in performance</li><li>Class-leading real-world quantitative sensitivity</li><li>Highest quality, most comprehensive qualitative information</li><li>Flexibility to adapt to changing needs</li><li>Accessible to experts and non-experts alike</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_G2_XS_Q_Tof_Quadrupole_Time_of_Flight_Mass_Spectrometry_1_b9f8dd32be/Waters-Xevo-G2-XS-QTof-Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Mass-Spectrometry-1.jpg" alt="Waters Xevo G2-XS QTof Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_G2_XS_Q_Tof_Quadrupole_Time_of_Flight_Mass_Spectrometry_1_b9f8dd32be/thumbnail_Waters-Xevo-G2-XS-QTof-Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight-Mass-Spectrometry-1.jpg 173w," sizes="100vw" width="1099" height="991"></p><h3><strong>Overview</strong></h3><div><h4><strong>Maximum robustness with no compromise in performance</strong></h4><p>The trend for increasing complexity of both samples and studies can result in difficulty obtaining high quality data for every component of interest while maintaining optimum performance throughout the analysis.</p><p>The <strong>Xevo® G2-XS QTof</strong> combines <strong>StepWave<sup>TM</sup> ion optics</strong> with the <strong>XS Collision Cell</strong>, providing a significant increase in sensitivity with no reduction in selectivity.&nbsp; During long analyses, critical hardware components stay clean for longer, so results are more reproducible and the laboratory stays productive.</p><p>Meaningful information is obtained for a greater number of components across a larger population of samples than ever before, giving a more complete picture for improved understanding and more confident decision making.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_G2_XS_Q_Tof_Quadrupole_Time_of_Flight_Mass_Spectrometry_437f84bacd.jpg" alt="Waters Xevo G2-XS QTof Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: Maximum robustness with no compromise in performance." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_G2_XS_Q_Tof_Quadrupole_Time_of_Flight_Mass_Spectrometry_437f84bacd.jpg 224w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="628"></p><div><h4><strong>Class-leading real-world quantitative sensitivity</strong></h4><p>In targeted quantitative analysis, the greatest challenge is to detect and quantify components of interest down to the lowest possible levels, often in the presence of interferences from complex matrix.&nbsp; Large variation in the concentrations of different components further adds to this challenge.</p><p>The <strong>Xevo G2-XS QTof</strong> combines sensitivity and selectivity with the mass accuracy, dynamic range and speed provided by <strong>QuanTofTM technology</strong> and the enhanced quantitative capability of <strong>Tof-MRM data acquisition</strong>.&nbsp; The end result is class-leading quantitative performance in real everyday laboratory conditions, demonstrated by limits of detection and quantification superior to anything achieved before with high resolution MS.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_G2_XS_Q_Tof_Quadrupole_Time_of_Flight_Mass_Spectrometry_2_d805c7aa49.jpg" alt="Waters Xevo G2-XS QTof Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: Class-leading real-world quantitative sensitivity." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_G2_XS_Q_Tof_Quadrupole_Time_of_Flight_Mass_Spectrometry_2_d805c7aa49.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="312"></p><div><h4><strong>Highest quality, most comprehensive qualitative information</strong></h4><p>In addition to accurate quantitative profiles, complete understanding of a sample requires detailed and comprehensive qualitative information.</p><p><strong>MS<sup>E</sup></strong> is a simple but powerful approach that delivers accurate mass precursor and fragment ion data for every detectable component, whether chromatographically resolved or not.&nbsp; This represents the ultimate in qualitative information, and because the approach is un-targeted, the data can be interrogated again later as scientific questions evolve.</p><p><strong>FastDDA</strong> is an automated, targeted data acquisition method that provides rapid, intelligent accurate mass MS/MS capability for confirmation of known compounds or characterization of unknowns, for situations where only true MS/MS data will suffice.</p><h4><strong>Flexibility to adapt to changing needs</strong></h4><div><p>The growing emphasis on efficiency and productivity in the laboratory demands analytical systems that are not only robust and reliable, but that also have the flexibility to accomplish a wide variety of tasks today, with future-proofing for the innovations of tomorrow.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Waters’ Universal Ion Source Architecture</strong> enables the use of a single analytical platform for many different applications and molecule types, as well as providing the option to add new functionality as requirements and priorities change.&nbsp; All source options are designed to be quickly interchangeable and ready to use within minutes, maximizing versatility and minimizing downtime.</p><div><h3><strong>Accessible to experts and non-experts alike</strong></h3><p>Traditionally the ability to achieve and maintain optimum performance from such a powerful analytical system would require a level of knowledge and experience held only by expert users.</p><p>The <strong>Xevo G2-XS QTof</strong> features <strong>IntelliStartTM technology</strong>, an intuitive user interface that automates routine tasks and ensures reproducible data of the highest quality, ensuring the full capability of the system is accessible to all.</p><p><strong>IntelliStart enables essential functions to be carried out automatically:</strong></p><ul><li>MS resolution and calibration checks</li><li>Simple setup of diverse experiments</li><li>Scheduled LC-MS system checks</li><li>Continuous system monitoring</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_G2_XS_Q_Tof_Quadrupole_Time_of_Flight_Mass_Spectrometry_3_279cf35277.jpg" alt="Waters Xevo G2-XS QTof Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: Accessible to experts and non-experts alike." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_G2_XS_Q_Tof_Quadrupole_Time_of_Flight_Mass_Spectrometry_3_279cf35277.jpg 136w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="1038"></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>

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